Central Information Commission
Shri J. Nowshad vs Income Tax Department, Chittoor on 15 January, 2010
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Room No. 308, B-Wing, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
File No.CIC/LS/C/2009/000564
Complainant : Shri J. Nowshad
Public Authority : Income Tax Department, Chittoor
(through Shri B. Rama Manohar, ITO Ward-I,
Chittoor)
Date of Hearing : 15.1.2010
Date of Decision : 15.1.2010
FACTS :
By his letter of 18.8.2008, the complainant had requested for the following information in respective Kuppam town :-
(i) List of Income Tax assessees;
(ii) Details of properties (movable and immovable) possessed by the assessees along with their annual income and payment of Income Tax by them.
2. Vide letter dated 3.10.2008, the CPIO had refused to disclose the required information on the ground that it related to personal matters of assesses. It appears that he did not file the first appeal and has moved this Commission.
3. Heard on 15.1.2010. Complainant not present. The public authority is represented by the officer named above. Shri Manohar would submit that information regarding point No. 1 has already been disclosed to the complainant. However, as regards point No. 2, he would submit that this information can not be disclosed in terms of section 8 (1) (j) of the RTI Act. He would also submit that the disclosure of this information may also be prejudicial to the safety of the assessees.
DECISION
4. I find merit in the submissions of Shri Manohar. Details of movable and immovable property are 'personal' in nature and the same can not be disclosed in terms of section 8 (1) (j) unless it is established that a larger public interest will be served by such disclosure. The appellant has not appeared before the Commission to establish such larger public interest. Hence, the complaint is dismissed.
Sd/-
(M.L. Sharma) Central Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against application and payment of the charges, prescribed under the Act, to the CPIO of this Commission.
(K.L. Das) Assistant Registrar Address of parties :-
1. Shri B. Rama Manohar Income Tax Officer, Ward-I, Chittor-517001, Andhra Pradesh
2. Shri J. Nowshad President, Loksatta (Civil Society), Kuppam-517425, Chittoor District, AP.